do you think gabrielle giffords can help affect policy in this manner? >> very, very desfinitely and profoundly. her statement was one of the shortest but most powerful public statements before any congressional hearing i've ever heard. it was really so direct. yes, she did struggle with those words, but there was no mistaking the passion and the depth of her commitment. and when she said be bold, be courageous, americans are counting on you, she also said that children are dying. evoking the images of newtown that i think will be also very power nfl creating a sense of urgency and momentum that can be sustained. i think it will be a tough uphill battle but i think particularly on background checks for both firearms and ammunition purchases there is an irrefutable case because it's simply enforcing the law that people who are dangerous, people who are criminals, convicted felons, dangerous drug addicts or mentally ill or domestic abuse ought to be denied the opportunity to purchase guns or possess them. >> and yet you know there has been opposition to th